Reference image generating apparatus, image forming system, reference image generation method, and reference image generation program

ABSTRACT

A reference image generating apparatus includes: a reader that reads a printed matter transported from an image forming apparatus; a reference image generator that generates a reference image for automatically inspecting the printed matter based on a read image generated by reading the printed matter; and a hardware processor, wherein the hardware processor acquires, from the image forming apparatus, information on whether or not each paper of the printed matter to be transported to the reader is subject to automatic inspection.

The entire disclosure of Japanese patent Application No. 2019-007221,filed on Jan. 18, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND Technological Field

The present invention relates to a reference image generating apparatus,an image forming system, a reference image generation method, and areference image generation program.

Description of the Related Art

In recent years, in the field of production printing, technology forimproving the image quality of printing and stabilizing the imagequality is actively developed. As one of such technologies, there is animage forming system having an automatic inspection function forautomatically inspecting an image of a printed matter.

In such an image forming system, by comparing an image of a printedmatter that has been confirmed to have high image quality (hereinafterreferred to as “quality”) by a user with an image obtained by readingthe printed matter of main printing, it is determined whether theprinted matter of the main printing has sufficient quality.

In addition, as an image of a printed matter whose quality has beenconfirmed (hereinafter referred to as “reference image”), an imageregistered in advance can be used, or a new image can be created. When anew reference image is created, the same image as the print job for mainprinting is printed, and the read image of the printed matter is storedas a reference image in the image forming system.

However, in creating a reference image for automatic inspection, if areference image is created using a paper that has been set for paperthat is not subject to automatic inspection (for example, embossedpaper, index paper, post inserter (PI) paper, punched paper, unprintedpaper), and inspection is performed in a later process, the referenceimage may be determined to be scraped. For example, in the case ofembossed paper, the shape of unevenness differs from paper to paper, andtherefore it may be determined to be scraped.

In relation to this, JP 2007-89095 A describes “a selection of an imagepage of a printed job to be subject to inspection,” but does notdescribe “a reference image page corresponding to a page of a printedjob not subject to inspection.”

However, it is troublesome for the user to select in advance the pagesthat are not inspected. Further, there is a problem that this selectingis performed not only when a reference image is created, but also at thetime of an inspection.

SUMMARY

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,and an object is to provide a reference image generating apparatus, animage forming system, a reference image generation method, and areference image generation program that can save the user from selectingthe pages that is not subject to inspection in advance.

To achieve the abovementioned object, according to an aspect of thepresent invention, a reference image generating apparatus reflecting oneaspect of the present invention comprises: a reader that reads a printedmatter transported from an image forming apparatus; a reference imagegenerator that generates a reference image for automatically inspectingthe printed matter based on a read image generated by reading theprinted matter; and a hardware processor, wherein the hardware processoracquires, from the image forming apparatus, information on whether ornot each paper of the printed matter to be transported to the reader issubject to automatic inspection, when the paper is subject to theautomatic inspection, the hardware processor stores that the referenceimage is valid in the automatic inspection, when the paper is notsubject to the automatic inspection, the hardware processor stores thatthe reference image is invalid in the automatic inspection, when thereference image is valid in the automatic inspection, the hardwareprocessor stores the reference image, and when the reference image isinvalid in the automatic inspection, the hardware processor does notstore the reference image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of theinvention will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given hereinbelow and the appended drawings which are givenby way of illustration only, and thus are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating theconfiguration of an image forming system according to a firstembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the image forming systemillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of acontrol unit of an image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of acontrol unit of a first post-processing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the case where automaticinspection setting is performed on a “job ticket edit” screen;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic processing procedure of acontrol method of the image forming system in the case of generating areference image in the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating main functionalconfigurations of an image forming apparatus and a reference imagegenerating apparatus in the case of generating a reference image in thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for generatinga reference image according to the functional configuration of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the management of referenceimages by a correct answer job in the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure forgenerating a reference image in a second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the management of referenceimages by correct answer jobs in the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating the main functionalconfigurations of an image forming apparatus and a reference imagegenerating apparatus in the case of generating a reference image in athird embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure forgenerating a reference image according to the functional configurationof FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure forgenerating a reference image in a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the management of referenceimages by a correct answer job in the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure forgenerating a reference image in a fifth embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating a pop-up screen for confirmingcancellation of a process of creating a reference image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of theinvention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Now that, in thedescription of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the samereference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. Inaddition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated forconvenience of explanation, and may be different from the actual ratios.

First Embodiment

<Image Forming System 100>

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating theconfiguration of an image forming system of a first embodiment, and FIG.2 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming system 100illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagramillustrating the configuration of a control unit 390 of an image formingapparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a schematic blockdiagram illustrating the configuration of a control unit 440 of thefirst post-processing apparatus 400 illustrated in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 according to thepresent embodiment includes a paper feeder 200, the image formingapparatus 300, the first post-processing apparatus 400, and a secondpost-processing apparatus 500, which are connected in series along the Xdirection (paper transport direction). Note that the configuration ofthe image forming system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example, andthe type and number of apparatuses included in the image forming system100 are not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 1.

<Paper Feeder 200>

The paper feeder 200 supplies a paper to the image forming apparatus 300in response to an instruction from the image forming apparatus 300. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the paper feeder 200 includes a paper feedunit 210, a paper transport unit 220, a communication unit 230, and acontrol unit 240. The paper feed unit 210, the paper transport unit 220,the communication unit 230, and the control unit 240 are communicablyconnected to each other via an internal bus 201.

The paper feed unit 210 includes at least one paper feed tray and storespapers as a recording material used for printing. The papers stored inthe paper feed tray are supplied to the image forming apparatus 300 oneby one along a transport path of the paper transport unit 220 by aplurality of pairs of transport rollers. When a plurality of paper feedtrays is provided, papers with different paper settings (for example,embossed paper, index paper, etc.) can be stored in each paper feedtray.

The communication unit 230 exchanges control signals and data with theimage forming apparatus 300. The control unit 240 controls the paperfeed unit 210, the paper transport unit 220, and the communication unit230.

<Image Forming Apparatus 300>

The image forming apparatus 300 forms (prints) an image on a paper basedon a print job including print data and print setting data in pagedescription language (PDL) format that are stored in advance. As will bedescribed later, in the present embodiment, the print job includes aninspection job for forming an image to be inspected on the paper in themain printing and a correct answer creation job for generating areference image before the main printing.

Further, the image forming apparatus 300 receives a print job from anexternal client terminal via a network and prints an image on a paperbased on the print job. The client terminal can be, for example, apersonal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

The image forming apparatus 300 includes an image generating unit 310,an image processing unit 320, an image forming unit 330, a paper feedunit 340, a paper transport unit 350, a fixing unit 360, a communicationunit 370, an operation display unit 380, and a control unit 390. Thesecomponents are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus301.

The image generating unit 310 includes an optical system including amirror and a lens, and a reading sensor. The image generating unit 310reads an original placed on a reading surface or an original transportedby an auto document feeder (ADF) and outputs an image signal.

The image processing unit 320 performs various types of image processingon the image signal received from the image generating unit 310 andgenerates print image data. Further, the image processing unit 320generates print image data based on the print setting data and the printdata included in the print job received by the communication unit 370.The generated print image data is transmitted to the image forming unit330.

The image forming unit 330 prints an image on a paper based on the printimage data using a known image forming process such as anelectrophotographic method including charging, exposure, development,and transfer processes. The image forming unit 330 includes aphotosensitive drum as an image carrier and a charging unit, an opticalwriting unit, a developing apparatus, and a transfer unit disposedaround the photosensitive drum.

The paper feed unit 340 supplies a paper to the image forming unit 330.The paper feed unit 340 includes a plurality of paper feed trays, andeach paper feed tray can store papers having different sizes such as A4size and A3 size.

The paper transport unit 350 includes a transport path and a pluralityof pairs of transport rollers and transports papers in the image formingapparatus 300. Further, the paper transport unit 350 includes a paperreversing unit and a circulation transport unit, and can reverse anddischarge the front and back of a fixed paper or form images on bothsides of a paper.

The fixing unit 360 fixes a toner image formed on a paper. The fixingunit 360 includes a hollow heating roller in which a heater is disposedand a pressure roller facing the heating roller. The heating roller andthe pressure roller are controlled to a predetermined temperature (forexample, 100° C. or more) by a heater, and heat/pressurize a paper tofix the toner image.

The paper on which the image is fixed is supplied to the firstpost-processing apparatus 400 through a paper discharge unit (notillustrated).

The communication unit 370 is connected to a client terminal such as apersonal computer via a network, and transmits and receives data such asa print job.

The operation display unit 380 has an input unit and an output unit. Theinput unit includes, for example, a keyboard, buttons, and a touchpanel, and is used by the user to perform various instructions (input)such as character input using the keyboard, various settings, and aprint start instruction using the print start button. Further, theoutput unit includes a display and is used for presenting varioussetting screens such as a job ticket editing screen to be describedlater, the execution status of a print job, and the like to the user.The operation display unit 380 functions as a notifier.

The control unit 390 controls the image generating unit 310, the imageprocessing unit 320, the image forming unit 330, the paper feed unit340, the paper transport unit 350, the fixing unit 360, thecommunication unit 370, and the operation display unit 380. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 390 includes a CPU 391, anauxiliary storage apparatus 392, a RAM 393, and a ROM 394.

The CPU 391 executes a control program for the image forming apparatusand realizes various functions. The control program is stored in theauxiliary storage apparatus 392 and loaded into the RAM 393 whenexecuted by the CPU 391. The auxiliary storage apparatus 392 includes alarge-capacity storage apparatus such as a hard disk drive or a flashmemory, and stores the control program and the print job. The RAM 393stores calculation results, paper setting information, paper feed trayinformation, and the like associated with the execution by the CPU 391.The ROM 394 stores various parameters, various programs, and the like.

<First Post-Processing Apparatus 400>

The first post-processing apparatus 400 includes a paper transport unit410, an image reading unit 420, a communication unit 430, and a controlunit 440. These components are communicably connected to each other viaan internal bus 401.

The paper transport unit 410 includes a transport path and a pluralityof pairs of transport rollers, and transports the paper supplied fromthe image forming apparatus 300 toward the second post-processingapparatus 500 along a transport path. The paper transport unit 410functions as a paper transport apparatus that transports a paper fromthe image forming apparatus 300 to the image reading unit 420.

The image reading unit 420 is an inline sensor (scanner) disposed on thetransport path of the paper transport unit 410 and reads an image on apaper transported on the transport path. The communication unit 430exchanges control signals and data with the image forming apparatus 300.

The control unit 440 controls the paper transport unit 410, the imagereading unit 420, and the communication unit 430. As illustrated in FIG.4, the control unit 440 includes a CPU 441, an auxiliary storageapparatus 442, a RAM 443, and a ROM 444.

The CPU 441 executes a control program for the first post-processingapparatus and realizes various functions. The control program is storedin the auxiliary storage apparatus 442 and loaded into the RAM 443 whenexecuted by the CPU 441. The auxiliary storage apparatus 442 includes alarge-capacity storage apparatus such as a hard disk drive or a flashmemory. The RAM 443 stores the calculation results accompanying theexecution of the CPU 441.

Further, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary storage apparatus 442or the RAM 443 functions as a storage unit that stores a referenceimage, which will be described later, and information onvalidity/invalidity of the reference image in inspection. The ROM 444stores various parameters and various programs.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 441 of the control unit 440 functionsas the reference image generating apparatus 450 together with the imagereading unit 420 by executing the control program (function as areference image generation program). The reference image generatingapparatus 450 reads the printed matter output from the image formingapparatus 300 by the image reading unit 420, generates a reference imagebased on the read image, and controls storage of the reference image. Aspecific processing procedure regarding the control of storing thereference image will be described later.

In the present embodiment, the reference image is an image obtained byreading a printed matter obtained by executing a print job by the imagereading unit 420, and the quality is confirmed by a user. The referenceimage is a reference for determining whether or not an image printed ona paper by executing an inspection job is normal in automaticinspection.

In addition, the control unit 440 and the image reading unit 420 canfunction as an image inspection unit when an inspection job is executed.The image inspection unit determines whether or not the read image ofthe inspection job is normal based on the read image obtained byexecuting the inspection job and the reference image.

<Second Post-Processing Apparatus 500>

The second post-processing apparatus 500 transports or post-processes apaper supplied from the first post-processing apparatus 400 inaccordance with an instruction from the image forming apparatus 300, anddischarges the paper to the outside of the image forming system 100. Thesecond post-processing apparatus 500 includes a paper transport unit510, a post-processing unit 520, a paper discharge unit 530, acommunication unit 540, and a control unit 550. These components arecommunicably connected to each other via an internal bus 501.

The paper transport unit 510 includes a transport path and a pluralityof pairs of transport rollers, transports a paper supplied from thefirst post-processing apparatus 400 along the transport path, andsupplies the paper to the post-processing unit 520 or the paperdischarge unit 530.

The post-processing unit 520 performs post-processing on the transportedpaper. Examples of the post-processing include punching, stapling, andside stitching.

The paper discharge unit 530 includes a paper discharge tray and a pairof paper discharge rollers, and a paper supplied from the firstpost-processing apparatus 400 and transported through the transport pathor a post-processed paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

The communication unit 540 exchanges control signals and data with theimage forming apparatus 300. The control unit 550 controls the papertransport unit 510, the post-processing unit 520, the paper dischargeunit 530, and the communication unit 540.

<Control Method of Image Forming System 100>

A control method of the image forming system 100 of the presentembodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 isa schematic diagram illustrating the case where automatic inspectionsetting is performed on the “job ticket edit” screen, and FIG. 6 is aflowchart illustrating a schematic processing procedure of a controlmethod of the image forming system 100 in the case of generating areference image in the first embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG.6 is realized by the cooperation of the control unit 390 and the controlunit 440. The control unit 390 plays a leading role in output controland overall control, etc. of a printed matter in the processing of FIG.6, and the control unit 440 plays roles such as correct answer jobgeneration, reference image generation, and storage control, which willbe described later.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, description will be made assumingthat a user operates a “job ticket edit” screen and performs settingsfor generating a reference image.

The image forming system 100 according to the present embodimentincludes an automatic inspection function as one function in the outputof a print job, and can automatically perform inspection using areference image for main printing. Further, settings relating toautomatic inspection (hereinafter referred to as “automatic inspectionsetting”) can be performed on the “job ticket edit” screen 600.

More specifically, on the “job ticket edit” screen 600, by selecting“automatic inspection” 602 in the “output setting” 601 items, an“automatic inspection setting” screen 603 is launched, and varioussettings relating to automatic inspection can be performed from the“automatic inspection setting” screen 603. Note that the items otherthan the “automatic inspection” 602 in the “output setting” 601 itemsare the same as those in an image forming system having a conventionalautomatic inspection function, and thus detailed description thereofwill be omitted.

The “automatic inspection setting” screen 603 has an “inspectionsetting” 604 for setting ON/OFF of the automatic inspection function anda “reference image setting” 605 for selecting whether to create a newreference image or select a reference image from a registered image.When the inspection setting 604 is ON, the user can create and acquire anew reference image or can acquire a reference image from an existingregistered image. The acquired reference image is stored in theauxiliary storage apparatus 442 or the RAM 443 of the control unit 440,for example.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the “inspection setting” 604 isset to ON, and the “reference image setting” 605 is set to “newcreation”. When “OK” button 607 is selected while “new creation” 606 isselected in the “reference image setting” 605, the control unit 390starts creating a new reference image. A schematic processing procedurefor creating a new reference image is as follows. In FIG. 6, steps S101,S103 to S106 relate to processing on the reference image generatingapparatus 450 side, and step S102 relates to processing on the imageforming apparatus 300 side.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control unit 440 generates a correctanswer job (step S101). In the reference image generating apparatus 450,the correct answer job is a management job for storing a reference imagegenerated based on a read image of a printed matter in association withinformation indicating whether the reference image is valid or invalidin an inspection. The control unit 440 generates a correct answer jobbased on the correct answer creation job (print job for generating areference image) generated by the image forming apparatus 300. Thereby,the control unit 440 manages the reference image in a job formatcorresponding to the correct answer creation job.

Next, a printed matter is output (step S102). The control unit 390executes a correct answer creation job. The correct answer creation jobmay be, for example, a print job generated by changing the number ofcopies of an inspection job from a plurality of copies to one copy. Theinspection job is stored in advance in the auxiliary storage apparatus392 or the RAM 393. A correspondence relationship is always maintainedamong the correct answer creation job, the correct answer job, and theinspection job, and the reference image of each page of the correctanswer job is linked to the corresponding page of the inspection job(refer to FIG. 9).

In accordance with an instruction from the control unit 390, the imageforming unit 330 prints an image on a paper based on the print datauntil the number of papers set in print setting of the correct answercreation job is reached.

Next, information on whether or not the paper is subject to automaticinspection (hereinafter referred to as “inspection target pageinformation”) is acquired (step S103). The control unit 390 generatesinspection target page information for each paper of printed matter andtransmits it to the control unit 440, based on the paper settinginformation and paper tray information, The control unit 440 receivesthe inspection target page information.

The paper setting information and the paper feed tray information areincluded in the print setting data of the correct answer creation job.Although not illustrated in FIG. 5, a user can check the setting statusthrough a job ticket editing screen or the like. The paper settinginformation can include, for example, paper size, paper type, basisweight, colored paper, embossed paper, index paper, PI paper,presence/absence of punch holes, unprinted insertion paper, and thelike.

The control unit 390 is subject to automatic inspection, for example, inthe case where the paper type is plain paper or fine paper, or if it iscolored paper, for each paper of printed matter corresponding to eachpage of print data. On the other hand, the control unit 390 is notsubject to automatic inspection, for example, in the case where thepaper is embossed paper, index paper, PI paper, punched holes, andunprinted insertion paper.

Next, the printed matter is read (step S104). The image reading unit 420reads the printed matter transported from the image forming apparatus300 and transmits the read image to the control unit 440.

Next, a reference image is generated (step S105). The control unit 440generates a reference image for automatically inspecting a printedmatter based on the read image generated by reading the printed matterby the image reading unit 420. Here, the quality of the generated readimage can be confirmed by the user and approved for use as a referenceimage.

Next, storage of the reference image is controlled (step S106). Thecontrol unit 440 stores that the generated reference image is valid inautomatic inspection when a printed matter is subject to the automaticinspection. On the other hand, when the printed matter is not subject tothe automatic inspection, the control unit 440 stores that the generatedreference image is invalid in the automatic inspection.

More specifically, the control unit 440 stores the page information ofthe correct answer job as the inspection valid page for the referenceimage generated by reading a paper which is subject to automaticinspection. On the other hand, the page information of the correctanswer job is stored as an inspection invalid page for the referenceimage generated by reading a paper not subject to automatic inspection.

Then, when the generated reference image is valid as an inspection pagefor automatic inspection, the control unit 440 determines that thisreference image should be stored and stores this reference image. On theother hand, when the generated reference image is invalid as aninspection page for automatic inspection, the control unit 440determines that the reference image should not be stored and does notstore the reference image.

If the generated reference image is not stored, the user may beconfirmed not to store the reference image.

As described above, in the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, thereference image generating apparatus 450 reads the printed mattertransported from the image forming apparatus 300, and generates areference image for automatically inspecting the printed matter based onthe read image. Further, the reference image generating apparatus 450acquires inspection target page information from the image formingapparatus 300 for each paper of a printed matter, and controls storageof the generated reference image based on the inspection target pageinformation.

Hereinafter, the procedure for generating the reference image will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is afunctional block diagram illustrating the main functional configurationsof the image forming apparatus 300 and the reference image generatingapparatus 450 in the case of generating a reference image in the firstembodiment. Further, FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processingprocedure for generating a reference image according to the functionalconfiguration of FIG. 7. The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 8 isrealized by the cooperation of the control unit 390 and the control unit440.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the image forming apparatus 300 includes acorrect answer creation job generating unit 610 and a correct answercreation job control unit 620, and these are realized by the CPU 391 ofthe control unit 390 executing a control program for the image formingapparatus.

Further, the reference image generating apparatus 450 includes a reader630, a reference image generator 640, a correct answer job generatingunit 650, a correct answer job control unit 660, and a storage unit 670.The reader 630 is realized by the image reading unit 420, and thereference image generator 640, the correct answer job generating unit650, and the correct answer job control unit 660 are realized by the CPU441 of the control unit 440 executing the control program for the firstpost-processing apparatus. Further, the storage unit 670 is realized bythe auxiliary storage apparatus 442 or the RAM 443 of the control unit440. A processing procedure for generating a reference image with such aconfiguration is, for example, as follows.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, first, a correct answer creation job isgenerated on the image forming apparatus 300 side (step S201). Thecorrect answer creation job generating unit 610 generates a correctanswer creation job. Further, the correct answer creation job generatingunit 610 outputs (1) a job generation instruction to the correct answerjob generating unit 650. Note that, in FIG. 7, “(1)” added to the headof the control signal “job generation instruction” means that thiscontrol signal is output first. The same applies to “(2)” andthereafter.

Next, the correct image creation job generation is notified from theimage forming apparatus 300 to the reference image generating apparatus450 (step S202). The correct answer job generating unit 650 outputs “(2)correct answer creation job start notification” to notify the correctanswer job control unit 660 that the image forming apparatus 300 isready.

Next, a correct answer job is generated on the reference imagegenerating apparatus 450 side (step S203). The correct answer jobgenerating unit 650 generates a correct answer job.

Next, a correct answer job on the reference image generating apparatus450 side is started (step S204). The correct answer job generating unit650 starts the correct answer job.

Next, the completion of correct answer job generation is notified fromthe reference image generating apparatus 450 to the image formingapparatus 300 (step S205). The correct answer job generating unit 650outputs “(3) job generation completion notification” to the correctanswer creation job generating unit 610.

Next, the correct answer creation job on the image forming apparatus 300side is started (step S206). The correct answer creation job generatingunit 610 outputs “(4) job execution instruction” to the correct answercreation job control unit 620.

Next, inspection target page information is transmitted from the imageforming apparatus 300 to the reference image generating apparatus 450(step S207). The correct answer creation job control unit 620 notifiesthe reference image control unit 661 of the correct answer job controlunit 660 of “(5) inspection target page information”.

Next, inspection valid/invalid page information is stored in the pageinformation of the correct answer job (step S208). Depending on whethera paper of a printed matter is/is not subject to automatic inspection,the reference image control unit 661 determines the validity/invalidityin the automatic inspection of the reference image and stores theinspection valid/invalid page information in the page information of thecorrect answer job.

Next, a reading instruction is notified from the image forming apparatus300 to the reader 630 of the reference image generating apparatus 450(step S209). The correct answer creation job control unit 620 notifiesthe reading control unit 631 of the reader 630 of “(6) readinginstruction”.

Next, a reference image is generated based on the read image (stepS210). The reader 630 reads the printed matter transported from theimage forming apparatus 300 and performs “(7) reading imagetransmission”. The reference image generator 640 generates a referenceimage based on the read image generated by the reader 630 and outputs“(8) reference image storage request” to the reference image controlunit 661.

Next, it is determined whether or not the reference image is valid inthe inspection (step S211). The reference image control unit 661determines whether the reference image generated by the reference imagegenerator 640 is valid in the inspection based on the inspection targetpage information.

When the reference image is valid in the inspection (step S211: YES),the reference image is stored in the storage unit 670 in associationwith the page information of the correct answer job on the referenceimage generating apparatus 450 side (“(9) reference image storage”)(step S212), and the process ends (END). On the other hand, if thereference image is not valid in the inspection, that is, invalid (stepS211: NO), the process ends without storing the reference image (END).

Thus, in the present embodiment, the inspection target page informationis transmitted from the image forming apparatus 300 to the referenceimage generating apparatus 450 for each output page of the correctanswer creation job, and the reference image control unit 661 stores theinspection valid/invalid page information as the page information of thecorrect answer job. In the case of an inspection valid page (that is, apaper on which the reference image should be generated), the referenceimage is stored, and in the case of an inspection invalid page (that is,a paper on which the reference image should not be generated), thereference image is not stored.

EXAMPLE

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating management of reference imagesby a correct answer job in the first embodiment. It is assumed thatembossed paper is included on the second and fourth pages in four-pagecorrect answer job output. All pages are output as a correct answercreation job, but the second and fourth pages are not stored as thereference images for a correct answer job. In addition, the second andfourth pages are inspection invalid pages and are not subject toautomatic inspection. Therefore, the reference image control unit 661stores the correct answer job using the first and third pages asreference images. Note that in FIG. 9, although the case where the papersetting is embossed paper is given as an example, but the same appliesto other paper settings such as index paper, PI paper, paper with punchholes, and unprinted insertion paper.

The reference image generating apparatus 450 and the image formingsystem 100 of the present embodiment described above have the followingeffects.

Reference images are not stored for papers that are not subject toautomatic inspection, and therefore this can save the user fromselecting the pages that is not subject to inspection in advance.Further, it is possible to prevent or suppress occurrence of erroneousdetection in post-process inspection.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the case has been described where whether ornot the reference image is stored is controlled according to thevalidity/invalidity of the reference image in the inspection. In thesecond embodiment, a case will be described in which a reference imageis stored regardless of whether the reference image is valid or invalidin the inspection of automatic inspection. Note that the description ofthe same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omittedto avoid duplication of description.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure forgenerating a reference image in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is aschematic diagram illustrating the management of reference images bycorrect answer jobs in the second embodiment. The processing of theflowchart of FIG. 10 is realized by the cooperation of the control unit390 and the control unit 440.

In the present embodiment, the inspection target page information istransmitted from the image forming apparatus 300 to the reference imagegenerating apparatus 450 for each output page of the correct answercreation job, and the reference image control unit 661 stores theinspection valid/invalid page information as the page information of thecorrect answer job and stores reference image of each page.

In the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 10, steps S301 to S310 are the sameas steps S201 to S210 in the flowchart (FIG. 8) of the first embodiment,and thus description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment,the reference image control unit 661 stores the inspection valid/invalidpage information as page information of the correct answer job, butstores a reference image regardless of whether the reference image isvalid or invalid for automatic inspection.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 9), it isassumed that embossed paper is included on the second and fourth pagesin four-page correct answer job output. All pages are output as acorrect answer creation job, and reference images are stored for allpages. In addition, the second and fourth pages are inspection invalidpages and are not subject to automatic inspection. Therefore, thereference image control unit 661 stores a correct answer job with allpages as reference images.

Thus, the user can refer to the reference images of all pages of thecorrect answer job through the display of the operation display unit 380regardless of the inspection valid/invalid page. Therefore, for example,when a user uses a function to exclude a specified area (page range)from an inspection target by editing a correct answer job, regardless ofthe inspection valid/invalid page, reference images can be displayed asa list, such that the user can easily understand the reference images.

The reference image generating apparatus 450 and the image formingsystem 100 of the present embodiment described above have the followingeffects.

Since the inspection valid/invalid page information is stored for eachpaper of a printed matter, this can save the user from selecting thepages that is not subject to inspection in advance. Further, it ispossible to prevent or suppress occurrence of erroneous detection inpost-process inspection.

Third Embodiment

In the first embodiment described above, the case of controlling thestorage of the generated reference image has been described. In thethird embodiment, the case where the reference image is not stored bynot reading an image on the paper that is not subject to automaticinspection will be described. Note that the description of the sameconfiguration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted to avoidduplication of description.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating the main functionalconfigurations of the image forming apparatus 300 and the referenceimage generating apparatus 450 in the case of generating a referenceimage in the third embodiment. Further, FIG. 13 is a flowchartillustrating a processing procedure for generating a reference imageaccording to the functional configuration of FIG. 12. The process of theflowchart in FIG. 13 is realized by the cooperation of the control unit390 and the control unit 440.

In the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 13, steps S401 to S406 are the sameas steps S201 to S206 in the flowchart (FIG. 8) according to the firstembodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S407, the inspection target page information is transmitted fromthe image forming apparatus 300 to the reference image generatingapparatus 450. The correct answer creation job control unit 620 outputsinspection target page information to the reading control unit 631 ofthe reader 630.

Next, the reading control unit 631 of the reader 630 determines whetheror not the paper fed to the reader 630 is a paper to be inspected (stepS408). When the paper fed to the reader 630 is an inspection target(step S408: YES), a reading instruction is notified from the imageforming apparatus 300 to the reader 630 of the reference imagegenerating apparatus 450 (step S409). Then, the reference image isstored in association with the page information of the correct answerjob on the reference image generating apparatus 450 side (step S410),and the process is ended (END).

On the other hand, when the paper fed to the reader 630 is not theinspection target (step S408: NO), the process ends without notifyingthe reader 630 of the reference image generating apparatus 450 of areading instruction from the image forming apparatus 300 (END).

In this way, only when the paper fed to the reader 630 is a paper to beinspected, the image forming apparatus 300 notifies the reader 630 ofthe reference image generating apparatus 450 of a reading instruction.As a result, only the reference image effective in the inspection isgenerated and stored by the reference image generating apparatus 450.

The reference image generating apparatus 450 and the image formingsystem 100 of the present embodiment described above have the followingeffects.

Since the reader 630 cannot read a paper for which a paper that is notsubject to automatic inspection is set, an invalid reference image inautomatic inspection is not stored. Therefore, it is possible to savethe user from selecting pages that are not subject to inspection inadvance. Further, it is possible to prevent or suppress occurrence oferroneous detection in post-process inspection.

Fourth Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the case where the generated reference image isstored as the correct answer job page corresponding to the correctanswer job and inspection job pages has been described. In the fourthembodiment, the case will be described where page numbers of the correctanswer job are assigned to the generated reference images in the orderof storing. Note that the description of the same configuration as thatof the first embodiment will be omitted to avoid duplication ofdescription.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure forgenerating a reference image in the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 15 is aschematic view illustrating management of the reference image by acorrect answer job in the fourth embodiment. The processing of theflowchart in FIG. 14 is realized by the cooperation of the control unit390 and the control unit 440.

In the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 14, steps S501 to S509 correspondto steps S201 to S207, S209, and S210 of the flowchart of the firstembodiment (FIG. 8), respectively, and thus description thereof will beomitted.

In step S510, the reference image control unit 661 determines whether ornot the generated reference image is valid in the inspection. When thisreference image is valid in the inspection (step S510: YES), thereference image control unit 661 stores the reference images inassociation with the page information of the correct answer job on thereference image generating apparatus 450 side in the order of storing(step S511). On the other hand, when the reference image is not valid inthe inspection, that is, invalid (step S511: NO), the process endswithout storing the reference image (END).

As illustrated in FIG. 15, as in the first embodiment (FIG. 9) and thesecond embodiment (FIG. 11), it is assumed that embossed paper isincluded in the second and fourth pages in the four-page correct answercreation job output. Although all pages are output as a correct answercreation job, the second and fourth pages are not subject to inspectionand are not stored as reference images for a correct answer job. Inaddition, the second and fourth pages are inspection invalid pages andare not subject to automatic inspection.

In the present embodiment, the reference image control unit 661 storesthe reference image generated for the first page of the correct answercreation job as the first page of the correct answer job. However, thereference image generated for the third page of the correct answercreation job is stored as the second page, not the third page of thecorrect answer job.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the reference imageis stored in the reference image control unit 611, the page numbers areassigned in the order of the storage of the reference images. Further,in the inspection in automatic inspection, the inspection is performedby comparing the reference image with the read image to be inspected,excluding the inspection invalid page, in the order of page numbers,that is, in the order of the storage of the reference images. Forexample, in the above-described example, the fine paper on the thirdpage of the inspection job is compared with the reference image on thesecond page of the correct answer job.

In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the reference imagegenerating apparatus 450 and the image forming system 100 of the presentembodiment described above have the following effects.

When the reference image is stored, page numbers are assigned in theorder in which the reference image is stored, such that management ofpage information in the correct answer job is facilitated.

Fifth Embodiment

In a fifth embodiment, the case will be described in which, when allpages of a correct answer job are inspection invalid pages, the user isnotified of this, and the process of creating a reference image isstopped. Note that the description of the same configuration as that ofthe first embodiment will be omitted to avoid duplication ofdescription.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure forgenerating a reference image in the fifth embodiment. The processing ofthe flowchart of FIG. 16 is realized by the cooperation of the controlunit 390 and the control unit 440. FIG. 17 is a schematic viewillustrating a pop-up screen for confirming cancellation of the processof creating a reference image.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, first, it is controlled whether or not tostore a reference image according to the validity/invalidity of thereference image in the inspection (step S601). The reference imagecontrol unit 661 executes the processing of steps S201 to S212 in theflowchart (FIG. 8) of the first embodiment. Since the processing is thesame as the processing of the first embodiment, description thereof willbe omitted.

Next, the storage of the reference image is controlled until the correctanswer creation job completes outputting all pages (step S602). Thereference image control unit 661 controls the storage of the referenceimage by repeating the processing of steps S209 to S212 in the flowchart(FIG. 8) of the first embodiment until the correct answer creation joboutput all pages.

Next, it is determined whether or not all pages of the correct answerjob are inspection invalid pages (step S603). If all the pages of thecorrect answer job are not inspection invalid pages, that is, if thereis at least one valid page (step S603: NO), the process ends (END). Onthe other hand, if all the pages of the correct answer job areinspection invalid pages (step S603: YES), the reference imagegenerating apparatus 450 notifies the image forming apparatus 300 thatthe reference image has not been generated (step S604).

Next, the user is notified that all papers of a printed matter arepapers on which a reference image cannot be created (step S605). Asillustrated in FIG. 17, the image forming apparatus 300 outputs amessage such as “All papers are papers on which a reference image cannotbe created” to a display screen 700 and notifies the user that all thepapers of the printed matter are papers on which a reference imagecannot be created

Next, a pop-up screen 702 for confirming cancellation of the process forcreating the reference image is displayed (step S606). The image formingapparatus 300 displays on the display screen 700 the pop-up screen 702for confirming the user to cancel the process (job) for creating thereference image.

Next, it is determined whether or not a “cancel” button 703 on thepop-up screen 702 has been pressed (step S607). The user confirms themessage “Do you want to cancel this job?” displayed on the pop-up screen702, and selects the “cancel” button 703 (an option button) on thepop-up screen 702. If the “cancel” button 703 has been pressed (stepS607: YES), the process ends. Thereby, the process of creating thereference image is stopped. As a result, the target correct answer jobis deleted and is not stored as a correct answer job.

In this way, if all pages of the correct answer creation job are set aspapers that are not subject to automatic inspection, there is noreference image to be stored. Therefore, by displaying the screen 700after completion of outputting all pages of the correct answer creationjob, it is possible to prevent the correct answer job having noreference image from being generated and stored. Further, by displayingthe screen 700, it is also possible to notify the user that there is apossibility of an error in the paper feed tray setting or job setting.

Note that the reason for performing the determination when all papersare output is that in the case of page mode (real) output, not all pageinformation can be received at the start of receiving a print job.

Although the image forming system 100 and the control program in theembodiments of the present invention have been described and illustratedin detail, the disclosed embodiments are made for purposes ofillustration and example only and not limitation. The scope of thepresent invention should be interpreted by terms of the appended claims,and can be appropriately added, modified, and omitted by those skilledin the art within the scope of the technical idea.

For example, in the above-described embodiments, a case is described inwhich the reference image generating apparatus 450 determinesvalidity/invalidity in automatic inspection of the reference imagedepending on whether the printed matter is/is not subject to theautomatic inspection. However, the present invention is not limited tosuch a case. For example, the validity/invalidity in automaticinspection of the reference image is determined on the image formingapparatus 300 side depending on whether the printed matter is/is notsubject to automatic inspection, and the determination result may betransmitted to the reference image generating apparatus 450.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the controlunit 440 of the first post-processing apparatus 400 functions as thecontrol unit of the reference image generating apparatus 450 has beendescribed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case,and the reference image generating apparatus 450 may include a controlunit independent of the control unit 440.

Further, the control program for the image forming system 100 may beprovided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, aflexible disk, or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network suchas an Internet. In this case, the program recorded on thecomputer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored ina memory or storage. Further, this control program may be provided as,for example, a single application software, or may be incorporated inthe software of each apparatus as one function of the image formingsystem 100.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reference image generating apparatuscomprising: a reader that reads a printed matter transported from animage forming apparatus; and a hardware processor that is configured to:generate a reference image for automatically inspecting the printedmatter based on a read image generated by reading the printed matter;and acquire, from the image forming apparatus, information on whether ornot each paper of the printed matter to be transported to the reader issubject to automatic inspection, wherein: when the paper is subject tothe automatic inspection, the hardware processor stores that thereference image is valid in the automatic inspection, when the paper isnot subject to the automatic inspection, the hardware processor storesthat the reference image is invalid in the automatic inspection, whenthe reference image is valid in the automatic inspection, the hardwareprocessor stores the reference image, and when the reference image isinvalid in the automatic inspection, the hardware processor does notstore the reference image.
 2. The reference image generating apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the hardware processor assigns pagenumbers in an order in which the generated reference images are stored,and stores the reference images.
 3. The reference image generatingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hardware processor generatesa management job for storing the reference image in association with afact that the reference image is valid or invalid in automaticinspection.
 4. The reference image generating apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein when all papers of the printed matter is not subject toautomatic inspection, the hardware processor deletes the management job.5. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus thatforms an image on a paper based on a print job and output a printedmatter on which the image is formed; the reference image generatingapparatus according to claim 1; a paper transport apparatus thattransports the printed matter from the image forming apparatus to thereference image generating apparatus; and a notifier that notifies auser that all papers of the printed matter are papers on which areference image cannot be created, when all the papers of the printedmatter are not subject to automatic inspection, the notifier displayinga pop-up screen for confirming cancellation of a process of creating areference image.
 6. A reference image generating apparatus comprising: areader that reads an image of a printed matter transported from an imageforming apparatus; and a hardware processor that is configured to:generate a reference image for automatically inspecting the printedmatter based on a read image generated by reading the image by thereader; and acquire, from the image forming apparatus, information onwhether or not each paper of the printed matter to be transported to thereader is subject to automatic inspection, wherein: when the paper issubject to the automatic inspection, the hardware processor stores thatthe reference image is valid in the automatic inspection, when the paperis not subject to the automatic inspection, the hardware processorstores that the reference image is invalid in the automatic inspection,and regardless of whether the reference image is valid or invalid in theautomatic inspection, the hardware processor stores the reference image.7. The reference image generating apparatus according to claim 6,wherein the hardware processor assigns page numbers in an order in whichthe generated reference images are stored, and stores the referenceimages.
 8. The reference image generating apparatus according to claim6, wherein the hardware processor generates a management job for storingthe reference image in association with a fact that the reference imageis valid or invalid in automatic inspection.
 9. An image forming systemcomprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a paperbased on a print job and output a printed matter on which the image isformed; the reference image generating apparatus according to claim 6; apaper transport apparatus that transports the printed matter from theimage forming apparatus to the reference image generating apparatus; anda notifier that notifies a user that all papers of the printed matterare papers on which a reference image cannot be created, when all thepapers of the printed matter are not subject to automatic inspection,the notifier displaying a pop-up screen for confirming cancellation of aprocess of creating a reference image.
 10. A reference image generatingapparatus comprising: a reader that reads an image of a printed mattertransported from an image forming apparatus; and a hardware processorthat is configured to generate a reference image for automaticallyinspecting the printed matter based on a read image generated by readingthe image by the reader; wherein: the reader acquires, from the imageforming apparatus, information on whether or not each paper of theprinted matter to be transported to the reader is subject to automaticinspection, when the information acquired by the reader indicates thatthe paper is subject to the automatic inspection, the reader reads animage of the paper, and the hardware processor generates the referenceimage for automatically inspecting the printed matter based on the readimage of the paper that is subject to the automatic inspection, and whenthe information acquired by the reader indicates that the paper is notsubject to the automatic inspection, the reader does not read an imageof the paper and the hardware processor does not generate the referenceimage.
 11. The reference image generating apparatus according to claim10, wherein the hardware processor assigns page numbers in an order inwhich the generated reference images are stored, and stores thereference images.
 12. The reference image generating apparatus accordingto claim 10, wherein the hardware processor generates a management jobfor storing the reference image in association with a fact that thereference image is valid or invalid in automatic inspection.
 13. Animage forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that formsan image on a paper based on a print job and output a printed matter onwhich the image is formed; the reference image generating apparatusaccording to claim 10; a paper transport apparatus that transports theprinted matter from the image forming apparatus to the reference imagegenerating apparatus; and a notifier that notifies a user that allpapers of the printed matter are papers on which a reference imagecannot be created, when all the papers of the printed matter are notsubject to automatic inspection, the notifier being displaying a pop-upscreen for confirming cancellation of a process of creating a referenceimage.
 14. A reference image generation method comprising: (a)acquiring, from an image forming apparatus, information on whether ornot each paper of a printed matter printed by the image formingapparatus is subject to automatic inspection; (b) reading a printedmatter transported from the image forming apparatus with a reader; (c)generating a reference image for automatically inspecting the printedmatter based on a read image generated by reading the printed matter inthe (b); and (d) controlling storage of the reference image generated inthe (c), wherein, in the (d), when the paper is subject to automaticinspection, a fact that the reference image is valid in the automaticinspection is stored, when the paper is not subject to automaticinspection, a fact that the reference image is invalid in the automaticinspection is stored, when the reference image is valid in the automaticinspection, the reference image is stored, and when the reference imageis invalid in the automatic inspection, the reference image is notstored.
 15. The reference image generation method according to claim 14,wherein, in the (d), page numbers are assigned in an order in which thegenerated reference images are stored, and the reference images arestored.
 16. The reference image generation method according to claim 14,wherein, in the (d), a management job is generated for storing thereference image in association with information indicating whether thereference image is valid or invalid in an inspection.
 17. The referenceimage generation method according to claim 16, wherein, in the (d), themanagement job is deleted when all papers of the printed matter are notsubject to automatic inspection.
 18. The reference image generationmethod according to claim 14, further comprising: (e) notifying a userthat all papers of the printed matter are papers on which a referenceimage cannot be created, when all the papers of the printed matter arenot subject to automatic inspection, and displaying a pop-up screen forconfirming cancellation of a process of creating the reference image.19. A non-transitory recording medium storing a computer readablereference image generation program that causes a computer to execute thereference image generation method according to claim
 14. 20. A referenceimage generation method comprising: (a) acquiring, from an image formingapparatus, information on whether or not each paper of a printed matterprinted by the image forming apparatus is subject to automaticinspection; (b) reading a printed matter transported from the imageforming apparatus with a reader; (c) generating a reference image forautomatically inspecting the printed matter based on the read imagegenerated by reading the printed matter in the (b); and (d) storing thereference image generated in the (c), wherein, in the (d), when thepaper is subject to the automatic inspection, a fact that the referenceimage is valid in the automatic inspection is stored, when the paper isnot subject to the automatic inspection, a fact that the reference imageis invalid in the automatic inspection is stored, and regardless ofwhether the reference image is valid or invalid in the automaticinspection, the reference image is stored.
 21. The reference imagegeneration method according to claim 20, wherein, in the (d), pagenumbers are assigned in an order in which the generated reference imagesare stored, and the reference images are stored.
 22. The reference imagegeneration method according to claim 20, wherein, in the (d), amanagement job is generated for storing the reference image inassociation with information indicating whether the reference image isvalid or invalid in an inspection.
 23. The reference image generationmethod according to claim 20, further comprising: (e) notifying a userthat all papers of the printed matter are papers on which a referenceimage cannot be created, when all the papers of the printed matter arenot subject to automatic inspection, and displaying a pop-up screen forconfirming cancellation of a process of creating the reference image.24. A non-transitory recording medium storing a computer readablereference image generation program that causes a computer to execute thereference image generation method according to claim
 20. 25. A referenceimage generation method comprising: (a) acquiring, from an image formingapparatus, information on whether or not each paper of a printed matterprinted by the image forming apparatus is subject to automaticinspection; (b) reading a printed matter transported from the imageforming apparatus with a reader; (c) generating a reference image forautomatically inspecting the printed matter based on a read imagegenerated by reading the printed matter; and (d) storing the referenceimage generated, wherein: when the information acquired from the imageforming apparatus indicates that the paper is subject to the automaticinspection, in the (b), an image of the paper is read, and in the (c),the reference image for automatically inspecting the printed matter isgenerated based on the read image of the paper that is subject to theautomatic inspection, and when the information acquired by the readerindicates that the paper is not subject to the automatic inspection, animage of the paper is not read, and the reference image is notgenerated.
 26. The reference image generation method according to claim25, wherein, in the (d), page numbers are assigned in an order in whichthe generated reference images are stored, and the reference images arestored.
 27. The reference image generation method according to claim 25,wherein, in the (d), a management job is generated for storing thereference image in association with information indicating whether thereference image is valid or invalid in an inspection.
 28. The referenceimage generation method according to claim 25, further comprising: (e)notifying a user that all papers of the printed matter are papers onwhich a reference image cannot be created, when all the papers of theprinted matter are not subject to automatic inspection, and displaying apop-up screen for confirming cancellation of a process of creating thereference image.
 29. A non-transitory recording medium storing acomputer readable reference image generation program that causes acomputer to execute the reference image generation method according toclaim 25.